Janelle Monáe Reveals Genre-Bending Debut Album; Grammy-Nominated Artist to Unleash New Music, Including First Single, "Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi)," via JanelleMonae.com; Series of Major Market Residencies Slated for May, With 2010 Lilith Tour Set for This Summer; "The ArchAndroid" due Everywhere on May 18th

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 11, 2010) - Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy recording
artist Janelle Monáe has announced the release of her eagerly awaited debut
album. "The ArchAndroid" will arrive in stores and at all DSPs on May 18th.

The album will be heralded by the first single, "Tightrope (Feat. Big
Boi)." The track will premiere on Thursday, February 11th on Pitchfork.com,
with a companion song from "The ArchAndroid," entitled "Cold War," debuting
the following day via Monáe's official website, www.janellemonae.com. Both
songs will be available for purchase exclusively at the site beginning
February 12th, and then at all DSPs on February 23rd. In addition, a music
video for "Tightrope" is currently in pre-production.

"The ArchAndroid" is an "EMOTION PICTURE" brought to you by Janelle Monáe
and the Mad Minds of the Wondaland Arts Society. The star-studded featured
cast includes the legendary Big Boi of OutKast, renowned poet Saul
Williams, psychedelic dance-punk troupe Of Montreal, punk prophets Deep
Cotton, and the Wondaland Arch Orchestra.

The album was recorded at Wondaland Studios in Atlanta, but written all
over the world, including but not limited to Moscow, Prague, Istanbul,
Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, and the Palace of the Dogs. "The ArchAndroid"
was inspired not only by the energy of these places, but by such
revolutionary musicians and artistic visionaries as Salvador Dalí, Walt
Disney, OutKast, Stevie Wonder, Octavia Butler, David Bowie, Andy Warhol,
and John Williams. The album was Executive Produced by Nate Wonder, Chuck
Lightning, Janelle Monáe, and Sean "Diddy" Combs, with Co-Executive
Production from Big Boi of OutKast.

A ground-breaking, genre-blurring singer, songwriter, producer, and
performer, Monáe's inventive style melds a refined pop sensibility with an
extraordinary postmodern mash-up of soul, funk, and rock 'n' roll. Like
Sly Stone, Prince, and OutKast, Monáe proves that innovative music can jam,
while simultaneously inventing new concepts and sounds. "The ArchAndroid"
follows the Grammy Award-nominated artist's two acclaimed EPs, 2008's
"METROPOLIS: THE CHASE SUITE (SPECIAL EDITION)" and "METROPOLIS: SUITE I OF
IV," both of which received extensive critical praise upon their initial
releases.

Monáe is slated for a variety of live dates and TV appearances surrounding
the release of "The ArchAndroid." A charismatic and unique live performer
who has previously toured with No Doubt, Paramore, Erykah Badu, and Raphael
Saadiq, she will also be doing a series of exclusive residencies in a
number of cities across North America (see itinerary below) -- full details
will be announced shortly via www.janellemonae.com.

Janelle Monáe is a true 21st Century musical phenomenon, earning widespread
acclamation for her compelling cybersoul sound. The Atlanta-based artist
-- who first garnered national attention for her collaborations with Big
Boi on OutKast's "IDLEWILD" -- has been profiled in a wide range of
national publications, including Vogue, GQ, SPIN, Nylon, PAPER, Essence,
and the New York Times.

"A very different kind of diva," declared Vogue. "Monáe creates this
futuristic world of hers by synthesizing past inspirations: the operatic
pop and hornlike sharpness of Shirley Bassey, the energetic funk of James
Brown, and the breezy rock and soul of OutKast," said Creative Loafing.
"'It's been awhile since I felt so fully enraptured and bemused and awed as
I did when she was on stage," proclaimed Paste, while Vibe noted, "Monáe's
upcoming album is poised to bring an eclectic, urbane feel to today's
R&B." "Janelle Monáe is honing her completely individual skills as a very
exciting solo artist," said the UK's Blag, "not only in sound but very much
in style."

Monáe has also drawn accolades from fellow artists across the musical
spectrum. "What I love about Janelle is that she has a magical ability to
bring folks together," says Big Boi, while his partner in OutKast, Andre
"3000" Benjamin declares, "Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices
of our generation. She's a living, singing babydoll. Darling... just
darling. Ha."

Legendary artist Prince hails Janelle, saying, "She is so smart." "Janelle
Monáe is one of the most important signings of my career," proclaims Sean
"Diddy" Combs. "She is a true visionary, with an original sound and a
mesmerizing presence. I can't wait to watch the future unfold for
Janelle."